Callers lead troopers to impaired driver

A number of alert drivers helped lead Washington State Patrol troopers to "an extremely intoxicated driver" in the Federal Way area Sunday.

According to preliminary tests, the driver’s blood alcohol level after his arrest was 0.340, which is more than four times the legal driving limit of 0.08, the patrol reported in a news release.

Drivers started calling 911 about 2:30 p.m. They reported that the driver of a green Chevrolet pickup truck was driving erratically, the patrol reported. The truck reportedly hit a vehicle on Military Road near Interstate 5 in Federal Way.

Several of the callers remained close to the truck as it got onto southbound I-5 from South 200th Street. The truck exited at South 320th Street and drove eastbound. Troopers tried to find the truck as it headed back toward the highway, troopers reported.

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“The highly impaired driver changed his mind and began backing up the on-ramp to northbound Interstate 5,” the news release stated. “Troopers arrived and quickly took the driver into custody.”

Troopers found brass knuckles, meth and an open container of beer in the 24-year-old Seattle man’s truck. He reportedly assaulted a trooper and fought with several hospital workers and security guards.

The man was later booked into the King County Jail on suspicion of third-degree assault, DUI and several misdemeanor warrants.

“If you see someone driving erratically, that is an emergency and you should call 9-1-1,” the news release states. “It’s legal to use your cell phone to report drivers who appear to be impaired.”